Introduction
Denise Wong plays a pivotal role in shaping AI and data governance in Singapore. As a leader at the Infocomm Media Development Authority and the Personal Data Protection Commission, she spearheads initiatives that enhance AI capabilities, ensure data protection [2] [3] [4], and foster innovation while addressing regulatory challenges.
Description
Denise Wong serves as the Assistant Chief Executive of the Data Innovation and Protection Group at the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore [4]. In this role, she focuses on establishing governance frameworks for AI and data [4], fostering AI talent [3] [4], encouraging industry adoption of AI [3] [4], and enhancing AI and data science capabilities within Singapore [4]. A key initiative under her leadership is the development of the AI governance testing framework and software toolkit, AI Verify [1], which consists of 11 principles designed to help organizations validate the performance of their AI systems through standardized tests [1]. This framework, developed in consultation with various companies [1], was released for an international pilot in May 2022 and was open-sourced in 2023 [1], with enhancements to address risks associated with Generative AI [1].
As the Deputy Commissioner of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) [3] [4], Denise oversees the administration and enforcement of the Personal Data Protection Act (2012) [4]. This includes formulating and implementing policies for personal data protection [4], guiding organizations on responsible data collection [2], usage [2], and storage [2], and issuing enforcement directions to mitigate risks of misuse. The PDPC plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with data protection principles, particularly in AI applications such as automated decision-making [2], and provides advisory services to assist organizations in navigating regulatory complexities while fostering innovation [2].
Denise has also contributed to the refinement of Singapore’s Model AI Governance Framework, which provides guidance to private sector organizations on ethical and governance issues related to AI deployment [1]. The latest iteration [1], the Model AI Governance Framework for Generative AI [1], expands on previous editions and integrates global discussions on AI governance [1], emphasizing the importance of purpose limitation and consent.
Since joining the Infocomm Media Development Authority in September 2021 [3], Denise has led legislative efforts to address online harms on social media and established the Online Communications Office to regulate social media platforms [3]. She has also managed initiatives aimed at combating misinformation and telecom-related scams. Furthermore, her work includes the Trusted Data Sharing Framework, which facilitates the establishment of trust between data providers by creating a common language for data sharing and a systematic approach to forming trusted data-sharing partnerships [1].
Her earlier experience includes serving as a Justices’ Law Clerk and Assistant Registrar at the Supreme Court of Singapore [3], followed by her role as State Counsel in the Attorney-General’s Chambers Civil Division [3]. Denise emphasizes the importance of collaboration between AI and privacy communities for governments to achieve shared objectives, particularly in light of the rapid technological evolution that often outpaces existing regulations [2]. To address these challenges, Singapore employs a flexible [2], principles-based approach to AI governance, allowing for ongoing policy updates and collaboration among regulators [2], industry stakeholders [2], and academia to maintain relevant and effective governance [2].
Conclusion
Denise Wong’s efforts have significantly impacted AI and data governance in Singapore, promoting a balanced approach that fosters innovation while ensuring robust data protection. Her leadership in developing frameworks and policies has positioned Singapore as a leader in AI governance, addressing both current and emerging challenges in the digital landscape.
References
[1] https://www.imda.gov.sg/about-imda/emerging-technologies-and-research/artificial-intelligence
[2] https://beaumont-capitalmarkets.co.uk/singapores-ai-governance-pioneering-responsible-innovation/
[3] https://oecd.ai/en/community/denise-wong
[4] https://asiatechxsg.com/atxsummit/speakers/denise-wong/
